Loss of Innocence Ch1

Lost of Innocence
Chapter One: The Nightmare Returns

Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: As usual I don’t own Naruto or any of its characters, locations, or Make-Out Paradise.  I like drama though…and pie.

“Damn brat!”  Naruto’s ears seemed to echo.  “I wish I had ate your stupid father when I had the chance.”  He heard again.  The ranting wasn’t unusual though.  Time and time again the Fox Demon in him would grow impatient or stressed at the prison his father made for it.  It had served him well over the years though, the Fox Demon’s chakra; however, there were times he would have given anything to shut the fox up while he was dreaming.

“Yeah yeah.  I’ve heard it all before.”  Naruto says as he looks at the demon’s face behind the prison bars.  “Its not like you haven’t gotten to stretch your legs a few times.”  Naruto sighs, knowing that there were times that the Fox Demon came out and took complete control of his body, though he admitted that if it hadn’t been for Kyuubi taking control he might have easily died in a few of those events.  It was a weird relationship they had.  They were dependant on each other to survive and at times did manage to see eye to eye, but they were enemies forced to share the same body.  Kyuubi an angry, vengeful, hungry demon and Naruto a kinda, caring, and compassionate ninja.  Right now Naruto was getting tired of his moaning though.

“A damn shame it’s only to save your sorry ass.”  Kyuubi snarled and bit at him, only to be blocked by the doors of the prison.

“You enjoyed it though.  Fighting again.”  Naruto sighed.  He never could understand why Kyuubi was obsessed with the destruction and death of those he fought.  It was probably some sort of godhood complex.

“You’re damn right.  And I still think you should have let me out sooner fighting that Uchiha brat.  I would of killed him and saved your friends a lot of grief.”  Kyuubi sneered.

“I would have stopped you.”  Naruto sighed, but he knew that to a degree he was right.  Sasuke did cause a LOT of trouble later on, not directly, but he was responsible for Kabuto powering up with Orochimaru’s body parts and the man power that was extended to hunt him down.  Naruto had to admit to himself, though never to the fox that he was right, to a point.  Naruto did wish he had used the demon to strike him and knock him out before Sasuke was able to activate his curse seal.

“What?”  Kyuubi suddenly seemed to jump back from his cage for a moment.

“What the hell?”  Naruto looks at him then turns around and examines the area.  It was just the wet dungeon like always, nothing appeared any different.

“Nothing.”  Kyuubi sneered as he turned his head.

“Fine.”  Naruto says as he starts to walk away.  “I’m tired of listening to you anyway.”

“And I’m tired of being stuck in your damn body.”  Kyuubi sneers back.  He watched Naruto slowly fade away, returning back to the real world as he shivered slightly.  Was this the cold the he heard humans speak of so often?  He shivered lightly as he knew that something dangerous was coming.  He smirked though as he didn’t care.  As long as it gave him an excuse to take over the boy’s body, if only for a brief moment.  He did relish a good fight.  Maybe this time he could hurt that Hinata girl too as revenge for being trapped.  Oh yeah…he would have fun with her.

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Guards were screaming all over the prison as the masked intruder quickly dispatched every single prison guard with amazing speed and precision.  It was clear that whoever the intruder was he’d been at the prisons before.  He knew when they changed guards and the most lax areas of the prison.  Striking at the weakest point, he moved along, knocking every guard out that he saw.  Soon he made his way to his target.

“You’re late.”  Kabuto says as he looks up at the ceiling form his cot.  “I was starting to think you’d changed your mind.”  He sits up and sees the intruder dressed up completely in black with a single sword strapped to his back.  Even though the eye holes were covered with darkened glass, Kabuto knew exactly who it was,

“The guards were better than I remembered.”  A muffled voice says through the mask as he pulls out his sword.  Lighting suddenly arcs from the blade and he slices through the bars completely.  “I’m done…now keep your end of the bargain.”  He says as his darkened glass spots lower and look dead at him.

“Not till I’m out and in the clear.”  Kabuto glares.  “Then I’ll give you the information.”  He chuckles.

“Fine.”  The figure turns his back to Kabuto and starts to escort him out, ignoring the pleas and begging of the other prisoners.  Kabuto chuckled as he watched them, not being able to care less about their fates.  They were Leaf in the end, even if they were prisoners.  He might even have this place be the first target after he obtained the weapon he sought.

“By the way.  I heard you two had a baby boy.  I suppose congratulations are in order.”  He smirks, forcing the ninja to stop dead in his tracks. “Don’t be so surprised.  I trained the doctor who delivered your child.”  He chuckles.  “Though poor little Itachi has been under the weather, hasn’t he?”  Kabuto smirks.

“Whatever you did to him fix it or I’ll prove to you there are things far worse than this prison and death.”  The figure says as he turns around and rips off his mask.  Sasuke glared at Kabuto, almost using his gift from Itachi to burn a hole right in the medic-nin’s head.

“I will, but Karin will have to come as well.  I need one small favor from both of you, after that I’ll step away and I promise neither of you will hear from me ever again.”  He says, holding up both his hands.

Sasuke sighed.  “Fine.”  He sighed, knowing that he had no choice.  He didn’t mind risking his own life in the least, but he would never risk the lives of Karin or his newborn Itachi.  “I’m going to kill that doctor though.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you.  He didn’t know what he was doing.”  Kabuto chuckles.  “Hypnotic suggestions can be so much fun.”  He raises his glasses with his middle finger.  “Now lets get out of here.”  He smirks.  He was glad Sasuke’s memory was almost perfect.  The Leaf had foolishly kept all of the Uchiha’s habits when it came to the prisons.

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Shikamaru, Guy, and Kakashi all couldn’t help, but to sigh.  It had been a week since the prison break and they hadn’t found a single clue as to who busted Kabuto out.

“I really hate to be the bearer of bad news.”  Guy shuddered, knowing Tsunade would be furious that they still hadn’t found anything.  The three of them were the best for investigating despite Guy’s bravo and so far they hadn’t found anything.  Former ANBU or not, Kakashi and he couldn’t make clue appear out of thin air.

“I’m sure she’ll expect it.”  Kakashi sighs.  “I’m still glad its you and not me though.”  He looks at the bars.  “The burn looks like its from a Chidori, but Sasuke hates Kabuto and I’m the only other one around with the skill.”  Kakashi shakes his head.  “At least as far as I know Sasuke and I are the only ones who know how to do it.”

“Yeah…”  Shikamaru moans.  Today was supposed to be a romantic day for him and Temari as it was the first wedding anniversary they had.  Now he was going to be lucky if he got home for a short dinner.  “…but do we really know Sasuke isn’t responsible?”  HE looks at them with a questioning glance.

“I prefer not to think he could be.”  Guy sighs.  “But you’re right.  We can’t fully rule it out.”

“I guess.”  Kakashi sighs.  “It would make sense then.  Whoever did this was careful not to kill any of the guards after all.”  Kakashi admitted.  “Though how could we possible investigate Sasuke without him knowing?  He’s in the Land of Waves now.”  Kakashi sighs.

“I’ve already figured it out.”  Shikamaru smiles.  “To quote Shino’s cliché phrase…always have a backup plan.”  He smiles.  Maybe he could end up enjoying tonight with Temari after all.

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“You are aware that the boy does indeed carry the nine-tail’s fox, correct?”  Mitokado Homura asked Tsunade as he looked over Tsunade’s current list of possible successors for the title Hokage.

“Yes; however, I do not believe that should disqualify him.  He’s has show unparallel devotion to the village and its people who have done thing over the years but treated him like trash despite his father’s, the Fourth Hokage’s, dying wish.”  Tsunade grunted.  She was getting extremely tired of the trying to find new ways of disqualifying Naruto.

Utatane Koharu looked at Tsunade with a hint of disgust.  This woman who denied her own age and loved the company of the most lecherous man in the world had the nerve to push for someone who almost destroyed their village to suddenly become its leader.  “No.  We have told you over and over Tsunade that Uzumaki Naruto is NOT to be allowed to become Hokage.”  She sneers.  “We would have been better off to let the Uchiha run wild.”

“So, are you going to kill the Fourth’s son like you did them?”  Tsunade crossed her arms and snarled at two elders.  “Sure…there were some Uchiha that were part of the of a rebellion plot, but not all of them.”  She shakes her head.  “And you wonder why I can’t stand the sight of you two.  Old farts that are set in their ways.”  Tsunade looks at them both with anger and pity.  “My grandfather would roll in his grave if he knew just how far you two have fallen.”

“Leave the First out of this.”  Koharu grumbled.  “At least he was a leader and a fighter.  You’re just a stupid medic who got lucky.”

“Lucky?…”  Tsunade looks at her with almost a confused expression that turns to pure hate.  “Yeah…my father and uncle are both killed, my uncle’s family mysteriously dies out, my best friend becomes my worst enemy, my brother and lover are kill, and I have to deal with stubborn old coots like you two day in and day out.  Yeah…some girls have all the luck.”  She says as she reaches into her sleeves, tempted to throw the dagger she has hidden there into the old woman’s head for such a comment.  “I’m out of here, but you will know this…I’m not giving up.  If the Sand Village can learn to embrace Gaara then you two should at least learn to give Naruto a chance.”  She sighs then stomps out.

“Lady Tsunade.”  Shizune says as she sees Tsuande stomping out of the meeting room.  “I take it they refused again.”

“Try getting something through those senile skulls.”  Tsunade grumbled then sighed.  “I thought Shikamaru’s suggestion was bad enough, but this is definitely the worst part of the day.”  She shakes her head.  “Sorry.”

“Its ok.”  Shizune smiles, used to Tsunade’s whining and complaining now.  “I asked for Naruto to go to your office like you requested.  He should already be waiting.”

“Good.  At least one of us can get away from those useless windbags.”  She frowns.

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“A vacation?”  Naruto looks at Tsunade with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes and no.  I’m sending you to the Land of Waves for a few days to examine the area, see how its expanded, and then report to me.  It is a D ranked mission, but I felt that you could use the rest considering how many missions I’ve thrown your way as of late.”  Tsunade replies as she takes a sip of her tea and makes her move on the Go board.

“I’m not complaining.”  Naruto sighs, then suddenly his face grows dark.  “You…know what’s there already, don’t you granny?”  He looks up at her after making his move.

“Yes, but don’t worry.  He’s kept his nose clean and I really don’t want to bother bringing him in for crimes that were committed so long ago.”  She nods.  “However, I would like for you to pay him a visit.  Inari is going home this week as well since school is out.  You could use that as an excuse to visit the so-called Rion.”  She informs him.  “The only thing I ask as far as he’s concerned is to find out what he’s been up to as of late.”

“That’s all?”  Naruto asks as he crosses his arms, not entirely sure if he could trust Tsunade.

“Yeah.”  She nods and makes her last move, knowing that she’s lost.  “I just want to know that he’s not being targeted.”  She says quietly.

“Sure thing.”  Naruto nods, understanding as he makes his last move.  “So I can’t tell anyone where I’m going, not even Hinata?”  He looks at her, wanting to make sure his orders are clear.

“Nobody.”  Tsunade frowns.  “After the mission is over, then you can, but until then, no.  I don’t want to risk anyone thinking that Sasuke is still alive and we’re investigating him.”  She crosses her arms while frowning at the board that mocks her.  “You ok with this?”

“Sure.”  Naruto nods.  “I could use a break anyway.  I’ve got a few things that I’ve been meaning to work on.”

“I’m glad.”  She smiles.  “Stop by the front desk for the travel allowance and get ready.  I want you on the way first thing in the morning.”

“Sure thing granny Tsunade.”  Naruto gets up and then bows before heading out.  A few minutes pass as she looks on at the board and sighs.

“You can come out, I know you’re there.”  She says as Jiraiya steps in through the window.

“You sure are a mean one, you know that?  You could be sending the kid into a trap.”  He looks at her with a disapproving glance.  “You could be sending the kid to his death.”  He restates the last part for her again, wanting to make sure she knows exactly what she’s doing.

“I know.”  She frowns.  “Don’t need to give me the third degree.”  She laces her fingers and looks at him.  “I’m feeling bad enough as it is for doing this…but if Sasuke really is the one behind it then Naruto is the best bet.  He’s able to beat him and Sasuke wouldn’t kill him, no matter what.”  She sighs.

“For once I pray your bet is right.”  Jiraiya sighs, remembering how her last bet cost him an arm, literally.

“You’re not the only one.”  She sighs, hoping that Shikamaru is right to trust Sasuke and Naruto’s bond.

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“What are you doing here?”  Sasuke asks as he opens the door, already knowing who was on the other end thanks to Karin’s skills.

“That any way to greet an old friend?”  Naruto chuckles as he leans against the doorway.  After a moment of Sasuke giving him a glare he shrugs.  “Granny gave me a surveillance mission on the grown for the Land of Waves.”  He explains.  “Its solo, so I thought I’d swing by and see how you were doing.  Last time we met I was supposed to be dead after all.”  He explains.  “Plus Inari needed an escort home.”  He chuckles as Sasuke lived closer to the bridge builder’s family than he did anyone else.

“Alright.”  Sasuke says, accepting his explanation as he looks at Naruto and feels that he’s being honest.  “Come on in.”  Sasuke steps aside then closes the door as Naruto comes in.  The house is small and minimally furnished, but it seems to suit both Sasuke and Karin’s personalities.

“Nice place you have”  Naruto nods as he walks over and spots Karin who’s gently rocking Itachi to sleep.  “Oh…hi.”  He waves at Karin and suddenly lowers his voice, not wanting to disturb the baby.  “So, what did you name him?”  Naruto walks over and looks as Karin smiles lightly.

“Itachi.”  She says with a small hint of pride.  “He’ll be a strong little boy when he grows up.”

“I’m sure he will.”  Naruto says as he sits down in the chair next to her..  “So, what have you guys been up to lately?”  He smiles and start to make conversation.

“Not a whole lot to be honest.”  Sasuke sighs.  “The town is doing great, but the crops haven’t been too great to start off yet.”  Sasuke shrugs.  “It’ll get better though.”

“Yeah.”  Naruto smiles.  “Oh, did you know that….”  He starts, leading him, Sauske, and Karin to sit back and reflect on the days of their childish youth.  Naruto might have been there to find out about Sasuke’s activities lately and to have a little fun with and old friend, but by the end of the night Sasuke knew what everyone in the Leaf Village was up to.  Around midnight Naruto said good night to both Sasuke and Karin before finally leaving.  Sadly he has about a quarter mile walk before he made it back to the village itself as Sasuke preferred to live on the outskirts, using the excuse that he needed land to farm to make the villagers understand.

“Well well well, as I live and breath, I do believe I see nine little tails in all.”  Kabuto’s voice is heard seconds before he appears before Naruto.

“What?”  Naruto’s eyes grow wide.  “I thought I threw you in prison.”  He stares at Kabuto, shock keeping his feet planted.

“I hate to burst your bubble, but I’m not.  Your little friend there busted me out in exchange for saving Itachi’s life.”  Kabuto smirks.

“Huh?”  Naruto looks at him confused.  “What are you talking about?”

“Oh, one of my former delivered Itachi.  It just so happens that the boy happened to get a little sick shortly after he was born though.  An accident really.”  Kabuto smirks, telling Naruto the obvious.

“What did you do to him?”  Naruto’s eyes narrow as he drops his pack.

“Nothing actually.  Give a baby a few herbs that induce vomiting and suddenly the parents will do anything to save their child.  On to of that I promised to give him Danzou’s location as a bonus.”  Kabuto chuckles.  “Kinda a sweet deal considering that Itachi would have been well within a couple of weeks anyway.”

“You’re sick.” Naruto glares.

“Maybe.  You think you have what it takes to give me the cure?”  Kabuto raises an eyebrow before charging.  “Reversal Seal Jutsu!”  He cries out before slamming into Naruto, having caught him off guard by the directness of his attack.  He lands one punch into Naruto’s stomach before the genin retreats and rubs his stomach.

“What did you…”  He says as suddenly blood pours out of his mouth and he collapses.

“What should have been done a long time ago.”  Kabuto smiles.  “Gain the ultimate weapon.”  He says as he grabs Naruto’s head and starts dragging him to the Uchiha’s house, knowing Sasuke wouldn’t dare risk the ‘health’ of his son, not even for Naruto.

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Kyuubi groaned in pain as he suddenly felt himself being crushed inside of his prison.  “What has that boy gotten us into now.”  He grows as he reaches out.  No matter what though he couldn’t feel Naruto’s presence anywhere.  Despite himself he started to worry.  He wasn’t worried so much about the fate of the boy, but he was concerned about his own life.  Try as he might though not only could he not find Naruto’s mind, he couldn’t reach out to his body either.  Something was wrong.

Then suddenly the wind blew as the gate shattered and the world grew dark.

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Iruka sighed as the fourth day on patrol was almost over.  Today was a slow day, but he couldn’t complain as the fact that it was so slow meant that crime was low.  He still wasn’t enjoying his ‘vacation’ though since he was moved from teaching to guard duty while Naruto was sent away, making it where he didn’t have anyone to really hang out with outside of his fellow teachers.  Still, he couldn’t complain.  At least his shift was almost over.  As soon as he finished patrolling the outside of the gates he would call it a night.  Maybe a dream would bring a cute girl to him.  He chuckled at the thought.  Plus soon he’d be doing what he loved most again, teaching his class the basics they need to succeed, not only as ninja, but as human beings.

“Umino Iruka.”  A growling voice said behind him as he past the last part of the forest.  

He suddenly froze, he knew the voice.  He wasn’t a man who feared much, otherwise he never have chosen his profession, but he was fighting just to keep control of his bowel movements.  He swallowed and closes his eyes, trying to steady himself.  “Wh-w-what are you doing here?”  He says, fear edging out in his voice.

“I’m here to repay a favor to your precious Fourth Hokage.”  The voice said as Iruka finally summoned up enough courage to turn around.  What he saw made his hear both sink and jump out of his chest both.  There he was dressed in a white sleeveless trench coat with it’s tail sliced into nine pieces over blood red pants and a matching shirt.  In his hand was a perfectly formed red rasengan.

“Naruto.”  Iruka cried as he knew his precious student had finally lost the struggle to contain the Demon Fox inside of him.  Tears flowed from his eyes for both his village and his pupil.  Suddenly the world turned red as the rasengan slammed into him, making him feel more pain that he ever imagined was possible.  Soon the sweet calm and peace of darkness claimed him though.

“Consider that the breaking of the ties..’master’.”  Naruto said as he kicked Iruka’s broken body.  Next stop on his list was none other than the Hyuga mansion.  Oh yes, it was time for Kyuubi to see exactly what Hinata was made of.  After that he’d enjoy watching her cry as her previous beloved crushed her hopes and dreams.  From there…the village would turn to dust and the Mountains would crumble.  Konoha would die by his hand.